BOISE, Idaho -- Defending Meridian Speedway NAPA Auto Parts Rocky Mountain Challenge Series race winner David Minegar of Kuna, Idaho knows that winning races is tough on the best days. It is even tougher to defend a race win where competition is king. This Saturday evening, The NAPA Auto Parts Rocky Mountain Challenge Series returns to the historic Meridian Speedway for round ten of the 13-race series.
The NAPA Auto Parts Rocky Mountain Challenge Series is in its second year of operation bringing together the top Late Model stock car drivers from throughout the Intermountain West region. “The drivers and fans in our area deserve great racing and with the backing of NAPA Auto Parts we were able to bring a professional Late Model show back to the area,” said Mike Minegar, President of the NAPA Auto Parts Rocky Mountain Challenge Series.
Meridian Speedway will host the series for a second time this season and the track is home to many of the series regulars. Meridian Speedway is steeped with tradition and has been a Treasure Valley landmark for more than 60 years. Davey Hamilton and Randy Tolsma started their racing careers on the tricky quarter-mile paved oval. Former NASCAR Northwest Series champion John Dillon cut his teeth on the tricky quarter-mile paved oval before making the move up to the Northwest Series.
“Racing at Meridian (Speedway) is important for a lot of our teams,” Minegar said. “Many of the drivers got their start here and I know there are a lot of fans that have supported this series and are excited that we are racing at Meridian this weekend.”
The NAPA Auto Parts Rocky Mountain Challenge Series will visit Meridian Speedway twice this season. The event Saturday night will feature the many of the top Late Model drivers from around the region competing for one of 24 starting positions in the 75-lap event. David Minegar, a two-time series winner this season, leads a strong local contingent that hopes track experience and knowledge is the key to victory Saturday night.
Other notable local racers joining the RMCS ranks this weekend include Dave Brodigan and youngster Nick Gibson. Both drivers race out of the Brown racing stables and both are at opposite ends of their careers. This will be Brodigan’s final year behind the wheel after more than twenty years piloting cars around Meridian Speedway. With Brodigan calling it a career, Nick Gibson is hoping to create a legacy of his own as he moves up the racing ranks.
Defending series champion Zan Sharp of Wellsville, Utah continues to lead the point standings heading into round ten, but his margin is shrinking. Minegar has closed to within eight point s after winning the RMCS event last weekend down in Twin Falls. Teenager Bryan Warf of Meridian sits third in the standings, while Kuna’s Craig Bell and Dennis Wurtz round out the top five in the standings.
About the NAPA Auto Parts Rocky Mountain Challenge Series
The NAPA Auto Parts Rocky Mountain Challenge Series is a regional touring series that allows competitors to gain experience on different types of asphalt oval tracks up to 3/8-mile in length. It is a high-quality, professional racing series that offers maximum opportunity at an affordable price serving the Intermountain West. The motto of the series is to “Race Hard and Have Fun!”
The NAPA Auto Parts Rocky Mountain Challenge Series contingency sponsors include: NAPA Auto Parts, ESI, Maverik, Hoosier Tire, Mirage Trailers, Bri-Co of Idaho, Sharp Powder Coating, Port City Racing, Integra Springs, Five Star RaceCar Bodies, PowerTrain Technology, Nesmith Racing Engines, Retro-Design, Mike Minegar’s Auto Body, and Dillon Racing Products.
NAPA was founded in 1928 to meet America's growing need for a world-class auto parts distribution system. By providing excellent customer service for more than 75 years, NAPA has become the industry leader.
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To check out the schedule and all the racing results plus an amazing photo gallery, go to www.rockymountainchallengeseries.com.
Admission Saturday night at Meridian Speedway: Adults - $15.00, Seniors - $7.00, Children (6 – 12) $5.00 and Children 5 and under are always Free.
What: NAPA Auto Parts “125” Race ten 13 for the NAPA Rocky Mountain Challenge Series
Where: Meridian Speedway, Meridian, Idaho
When: Saturday, August 13, Racing at 7:00 pm
Track Record: John Dillon 13.651 seconds/ 65.929 mph set May 7, 2005
Previous Meridian Speedway Winner: David Minegar
Track layout: 1/4-Mile Paved Oval
Race length: 75 laps
Format: Fast 20 qualifiers inverted and locked into main event with 4 “last chance” qualifiers from a consolation main event added to the rear of the starting field.
